Charles Sturt University (CSU) has announced a new direction in its leading pharmacy program in regional Australia.

Executive Dean of the CSU Faculty of Science Professor Tim Wess said the University has decided to refocus the Bachelor of Pharmacy program on one site.

"Orange has been selected and Charles Sturt University will offer additional student places in pharmacy in Orange from 2016," he said.

"CSU was the only non-metropolitan provider when we started pharmacy in 1997, however, others have copied our success and there is now much more competition.

"We want to offer future students in the program the most consistent and high quality learning and teaching experience possible and we believe this is best done on one site at Orange.

"In the current uncertain and competitive higher education climate, CSU must ensure it is delivering viable and strong programs for our students and the regions we serve.

"We will continue to offer pharmacy students individualised staff support, academics with national and international experience, industry support, and access to leading facilities.

Professor Wess said current students on campus at CSU in Wagga Wagga would not be affected.

"The program will no longer be open to new enrolments on campus in Wagga Wagga, but current students will continue to be taught there until 2019," he said.

"Pharmacy started in Wagga Wagga and we recognise the strong community support that allowed this to happen.

"Our pharmacy program has a long standing, strong reputation of producing employment-ready, high quality graduates.

"Charles Sturt University pharmacy graduates remain in demand, with an   employment rate of over 90 per cent, and many go on to work across regional Australia when they complete the course.

"We have a firm record as innovators in the education and training of key health professionals, such as pharmacists, and this will continue into the future."